Hanceville Police Department’s fledgling Explorers Club netted nearly $700 in donations along with some meaningful mementos last week during the city council meeting. 

Karen Cook with Cook Ministries donated $500, blue badges and decals to Explorer Club members along with stuffed animals for officers to give to children Thursday. Hanceville reserve officer Josh Asam with Domino’s Pizza also delivered $190 for the club which allows teens interested in a career in law enforcement and military to shadow police officers.

Cook fought back tears Thursday night as she presented her donations. Her late nephew, Jake Cook, took a special interest in the Hanceville police and fire departments. When he died from a tragic drowning accident in 2010, the police department made him an honorary police officer and gave him an official police funeral.

Karen Cook said the donations were in honor of Jake and his father, the late Johnny Cook, who passed away this past year.

Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.